Exam PfMP Topic 2 Question 293 Discussion
Actual exam question for PMI's PfMP exam
Question #: 293
Topic #: 2
Question #: 293
Topic #: 2
As part of the portfolio management plan, you have the "Manage Strategic Change" and the "Change Control and Management". This is causing issues to one of your team's junior portfolio managers as she cannot understand the difference. In your opinion, what is the difference between both?
Suggested Answer: B Vote an answer
In accordance with the Standard for Portfolio Management, a portfolio manager must distinguish between the
"What" (Strategy) and the "How" (Process). These two concepts address change at different levels of the organizational hierarchy.
The reasoning for choosing Option B is based on the following verified principles:
Manage Strategic Change: This is a high-level, proactive activity within the Portfolio Strategic Management domain. It involves monitoring the internal and external environments for shifts (like a new competitor, technological breakthrough, or acquisition) that require the portfolio to pivot its entire direction. It ensures the portfolio remains aligned with the organization's evolving vision.
Change Control and Management: This is a functional, often reactive process within the Portfolio Governance and Portfolio Management Plan. It defines the formal steps (request, impact analysis, approval, implementation) required to handle changes to the portfolio components, scope, or management processes during the execution phase. It is about maintaining stability and order within the authorized portfolio.
The Difference in Focus: Strategic change management asks, "Are we doing the right things?" while Change Control and Management asks, "Are we doing things the right way, and are we tracking the modifications to our plan?" Why other options are incorrect:
A). There is no difference: This is incorrect. One is a strategic alignment function, and the other is a governance control function. Conflating them leads to poor strategic agility and weak operational control.
C). Manage Strategic Change is a detailed process of Change Control: This is the reverse of reality. Strategic change is the overarching driver; change control is a tool used to implement the tactical aspects of those shifts.
D). "Change Control" manages strategy / "Manage Strategic Change" defines execution: This option swaps the definitions. Change control is never used to define a new strategic direction; it is used to control the deviation from an already established plan.
"What" (Strategy) and the "How" (Process). These two concepts address change at different levels of the organizational hierarchy.
The reasoning for choosing Option B is based on the following verified principles:
Manage Strategic Change: This is a high-level, proactive activity within the Portfolio Strategic Management domain. It involves monitoring the internal and external environments for shifts (like a new competitor, technological breakthrough, or acquisition) that require the portfolio to pivot its entire direction. It ensures the portfolio remains aligned with the organization's evolving vision.
Change Control and Management: This is a functional, often reactive process within the Portfolio Governance and Portfolio Management Plan. It defines the formal steps (request, impact analysis, approval, implementation) required to handle changes to the portfolio components, scope, or management processes during the execution phase. It is about maintaining stability and order within the authorized portfolio.
The Difference in Focus: Strategic change management asks, "Are we doing the right things?" while Change Control and Management asks, "Are we doing things the right way, and are we tracking the modifications to our plan?" Why other options are incorrect:
A). There is no difference: This is incorrect. One is a strategic alignment function, and the other is a governance control function. Conflating them leads to poor strategic agility and weak operational control.
C). Manage Strategic Change is a detailed process of Change Control: This is the reverse of reality. Strategic change is the overarching driver; change control is a tool used to implement the tactical aspects of those shifts.
D). "Change Control" manages strategy / "Manage Strategic Change" defines execution: This option swaps the definitions. Change control is never used to define a new strategic direction; it is used to control the deviation from an already established plan.
by Abbott at Jun 19, 2026, 05:47 AM
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